The Blackhawks found a bright spot in a “ruff” season after Friday’s practice.

In an effort to raise awareness for adoptable puppies, the team brought 13 of them onto the ice at Fifth Third Arena for a meet-and-greet and “naming ceremony”. The puppies, which ranged from eight to 12 weeks old, seemed to relish the chance to scamper around the ice, intermingling with the players and others. According to forward Colin Blackwell, who helped organize the event, they were naturals on the ice:

“It looked like some of them were buzzing around. They’re better skaters than me… Overall, it was pretty good, running around, playing with each other. Good to see a lot of smiles on everybody’s faces.”

– Colin Blackwell

DTR Foundation

The event was in partnership with the Determined to Rise Animal Foundation, a nonprofit for animals based in Mokena, Illinois. It focuses on the “rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned, neglected, abused, and injured animals.” The foundation’s founder, Amanda Sherrod, displayed her enthusiasm about the new partnership:

“Today our favorite NHL team ventured to the animal rescue world to support our dog-rescuing efforts and we couldn’t be more excited. Check out all of the Blackhawks puppies on our Facebook and Instagram page to learn more about the adoption process.”

– DTR Foundation Founder Amanda Sherrod

Many of the puppies at Fifth Third Arena Friday were rescued by the foundation from kill shelters and need to be adopted in order to keep costs low. Enter the partnership with the Blackhawks, who helped to raise awareness for the puppies to be adopted Friday. The event undoubtedly saved a few lives.

Blackwell and his fiancee, Lauren Prodoehl, have fostered multiple dogs from the foundation until they reach their forever homes. He decided to come to the entire team to help support their growing need, and they happily obliged.

“Aww…”

The event was a win-win, as it not only raised awareness for a foundation that needed it but also was a clear bright spot in a season that hasn’t been the most fun for Blackhawks players and fans. There was no shortage of smiles to be seen in the locker room afterward. Many of the puppies were even named after players (by themselves, of course) – “Tazer” (Jonathan Toews), “Jay Jay” (Jujhar Khaira), “Twisty” (McKenzie Entwistle), and many others. Toews seemed to put it best when he said:

“I don’t care what kind of mood you’re in, it’s hard to stay stuck in it when there’s a bunch of puppies running around.”

– Jonathan Toews

Chicago may be in the midst of a rebuild, and every game matters in the “battle for Bedard”, but losing seven games in a row can take a toll on the atmosphere in the locker room. Not only were they able to find a bright spot near the end of their season, but they were also able to do so while making their community better. On top of all that, seeing no-nonsense guys like Jonathan Toews sharing the ice with puppies? Come on. That’s labr-adorable.